What were the consequences when you failed to obey your parents? Were certain privileges taken away for a time? Did you get grounded from some of your fun outside activities? Was there corporal punishment? Or did your mom use the ‘D-word’ on you, that she was disappointed in you? Whatever the methodology, the message was – It is better to obey!
Obedience flows from respect for authority. A position of authority as a parent, teacher, supervisor, police officer or politician carries a tremendous responsibility. It is a responsibility to a higher authority, namely God, to do what is right in His eyes. As the old hymn goes, “Trust and obey; there is no other way …” There is surely no better way.
And the high priest asked them saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:28-29. In this first week of the Pentecost challenge, reading three chapters a day beginning in Acts and going through Jude, you have read of Jesus’ ascension; the Holy Spirit lighting on the apostles; over 3000 thousand believers being added to their number; people putting their sick and lame relatives on the path with the hope that Peter’s shadow would fall on them and heal them; Stephen has been stoned; and, Saul has been converted to Paul! Wow! In this passage, Peter and the apostles were taking a stand against the Sanhedrin and the high priest, the religious rulers of the day. Here, the high priest tried to exercise his authority to silence the apostles. This was a ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego’ moment for Peter and the apostles. Just as Daniel’s friends accepted the fiery furnace over obeying the king (Daniel 3:22-23), the apostles rejected the high priest and obeyed under authority from God – to preach, heal and cast out demons. As He did for Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, God honored the apostles’ obedience to Him by adding His super to their natural to produce supernatural results.
The goal of the Pentecost challenge is to get to know the Lord by reading His word; grow as disciples in respect and love for the Lord; and obey His word as the authority to live under. There are 149 chapters from Acts through Jude. The Pentecost challenge is to read three chapters a day for the fifty days following Easter. Accept the challenge and learn to Obey:
- Create a consistent 30-minute window of time each day;
- Pray briefly for the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to God’s word;
- Read three chapters of Scripture – start with Acts and read through Jude;
- Write down a verse or two that resonates with you;
- Close in prayer incorporating the passage written down.
Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and the opportunity to get to know You. I confess my obedience has been tied to the fear of consequences in this world. Forgive me. I want obedience to flow from my respect and love for You. Guide me through this reading of Your word and draw me closer to You. I accept the Pentecost challenge to help me live under obedience to Your word and into Your love. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father trusts and obeys the word of God.
